How Effective Is Scrutiny Of The Executive In Practice?

Question 1

What is a key role of parliament in relation to the government?

Answer 1

Scrutinising government

Question 2

How has the rebelliousness of MPs since the 1980s influenced parliament?

Answer 2

It has led to major advances in modernising procedures and increasing the effectiveness of scrutiny powers.

Question 3

Provide examples of areas where MPs have rebelled against the government.

Answer 3

Brexit, the Iraq War, air strike missions on Syria, Sunday trading, and student tuition fees.

Question 4

What role do departmental select committees play in scrutinising the government?

Answer 4

They are increasingly independent and play a more important and higher-profile role.

Question 5

What changes have been made to the House of Lords?

Answer 5

The removal of most hereditary peers

Question 6

How has the diversity of MPs changed in recent years?

Answer 6

MPs have become more diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender.

Question 7

How does parliament function during times of national crisis?

Answer 7

It remains a key arena for debate, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 8

How does the frequency of gridlock in the UK compare to the USA?

Answer 8

The UK sees relatively little gridlock compared to the USA, where power is more divided

Question 9

What is the impact of parliament on the government’s ability to govern?

Answer 9

Parliament can ask awkward questions but rarely sabotages the government’s ability to govern.

Question 10

How is the government held accountable by the electorate?

Answer 10

The government is rewarded or punished at the subsequent general election based on its performance.

Question 11

What are some criticisms of parliament as an institution?

Answer 11

It is seen as old-fashioned and ineffective, with archaic language and traditions, and an unnecessarily adversarial nature.

Question 12

What voting method is not permanently available in parliament?

Answer 12

Electronic voting.

Question 13

How are many debates and question times perceived in parliament?

Answer 13

As excuses for party politics rather than objective probing of the executive.

Question 14

What happens when there is a strong government with a large majority?

Answer 14

The checks on the government remain relatively weak.

Question 15

What was a significant issue parliament faced during Brexit?

Answer 15

Parliament was unable to take control and achieve a breakthrough without another election.

Question 16

How powerful are committees in influencing legislation and government appointments?

Answer 16

Committees lack power or the will to significantly influence and alter legislation or scrutinise government appointments.

Question 17

Describe the nature of the second chamber in parliament.

Answer 17

It is weak, undemocratic, and often a haven for political retirees or defeated MPs.

Question 18

What does the effectiveness of parliament depend on, according to the text?

Answer 18

It depends on whether the citizen wants strong scrutiny of the government or a system that allows the government to govern effectively.

Question 19

How has parliament responded to changes and reform?

Answer 19

Changes and reforms have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Question 20

How does parliament reflect the UK constitution?

Answer 20

It reflects the wider aspects of the venerable constitution, with all its imperfections.